Lead Network Architect - MoD

Ministry Of Defence; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK Government Agency is looking for a technical leader to oversee network solutions supporting critical digital capabilities. You will advance the Next Generation Communications Network (NGCN) Programme, ensuring secure, modern networking across military and business domains. Responsibilities include designing network architectures, mentoring teams, and communicating complex concepts. Ideal candidates have strong network architecture experience and exceptional communication skills, ensuring alignment between technology and business goals.

Qualifications

• Experience as a subject-matter expert in network architecture.
• Strong technical design background with innovative technology experience.
• Exceptional communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Experience aligning technical solutions with business objectives.
• Understanding of governance and assurance frameworks.
• Capability in leading network infrastructure design and support.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject-matter expert for network architects.
• Accountable for network designs and architectures.
• Champion new technologies and solutions.
• Act as escalation point for network challenges.
• Communicate complex network concepts effectively.
• Coach and mentor network architects.

Skills

Network architecture expertise

Coaching and mentoring

Technical communication

Strategic thinking

Job description

As a technical leader within Core Information Services, you will shape and oversee network solutions critical to Defence's digital capabilities. You'll play a key role in advancing the Next Generation Communications Network (NGCN) Programme—a major Government project—and drive the design and delivery of a secure, modern enterprise network that connects sensors, effectors, and decision‑makers across military and business domains. NGCN is a cornerstone of the Digital Backbone for Defence, and your expertise will be key to achieving it.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject‑matter expert for network architects across the team
• Accountable for the NGCN network designs and architectures
• Champion new technologies and innovative solutions in support of the programme
• Act as point of escalation for complex network challenges and technical issues
• Communicate complex network concepts effectively to technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Coach and mentor network architects

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a subject‑matter expert in network architecture, representing the function internally and externally with partners and suppliers
• Strong background in technical design, enabling coaching, mentoring, and championing of innovative technologies and solutions while ensuring adherence to architectural standards and best practices
• Exceptional communication skills to simplify complex network concepts for both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Strategic thinking with a proven track record of aligning technical solutions with business objectives and integrating emerging technologies
• Demonstrable understanding of governance and assurance frameworks
• Proven capability in network infrastructure, leading teams in design, implementation, administration and support of infrastructure solutions and services
• Comprehensive understanding of all network technologies

Travel Requirements

Dependent on business need, there may be a requirement to travel to meetings within the UK (or potentially occasional overseas visits).

Behaviours

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical Skills

• Technical Understanding (Network Architect)
• Governance and Assurance
• IT Infrastructure (Network Architect)
• Systems Design